Aunu'u

Aunuu is a small volcanic island which geographically belongs to the Samoan islands and politically to American Samoa.

Geography

The area of ​​the island is about 1.52 km ². Of the 436 residents of the island almost all live in one place Aunuu on the west coast.

The island is separated only by a 1 km wide waterway from its large neighboring island of Tutuila and there lies the village Utumea opposite. Nearest point is Matuli Point just east of Utumea.

The East is almost exclusively formed by the caldera of an extinct volcano. The two peaks of the island are located on the crater rim. Pofala Hill with 75 meters to the north is the location of the lighthouse. To the south lies the Fogatia Hill, which is still higher by some sources as the Pofala Hill.

Environment

Within the volcanic crater large quantities have accumulated fresh water and can thus be a unique flora and fauna emerge. Because of the high diversity of plants and animals in Faimulivai Marsh in the center of the caldera, the area of the caldera has been put under protection.

The entire island is since 1972 a National Natural Landmark. In the Nature Park can be found, among others, the Pacific black duck, purple chicken and water chestnuts.

Management

Administrative forms Aunuu one of the six villages (villages ) in SaOle County, part of the East District ( Eastern District ) of American Samoa.